Bantwal: Taking cognizance of the depletion in forest wealth and the alarming levels of pollution, the forest department has decided to provide free Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) connections to all Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households living near forest zones, announced State Forest Minister Ramanath Rai.

Speaking at Brahmashri Narayana Guru Hall in Ganadapadau in B C Road, the minister distributed 600 free LPG connections to the beneficiaries from Bantwal region and sought people’s cooperation in safeguarding the existing forest wealth of 22 percent in the state.

Around 3000 connections have been allotted to beneficiaries from Bantwal, Puttur and Mangaluru regions, the minister confirmed and instructed officials present on the occasion to allot 300 more connections in the immediate future.

The special project taken up by the forest department aims at safeguarding the environment and increasing the forest wealth to a healthy average of 33 percent from the present 22 percent.

The minister assured of effective implementation of the scheme in the future and stressed on the need to protect wildlife with positive measures.

Taluk Panchayath president Chandrakanth Karkera lauded the efforts of the forest minister in implementing progressive schemes. Gas stoves and other associated accessories were given away to the beneficiaries symbolically on the occasion.

Many elected representatives, revenue, administration and forest officials were present at the venue.